Get ready to enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Hush Puppies with dinner tonight!
We recently had a fantastic meal of Air Fryer Hush Puppies paired with Air Fryer Catfish. I’ll share the catfish recipe next week, but for now let’s focus on these crispy, flavorful hush puppies.
Why are they called hush puppies?
The name “hush puppies” reportedly comes from a practice of feeding fried cornmeal balls to dogs to quiet — or “hush” — them. The little history nugget adds a fun touch to an already comforting side dish.
These hush puppies can be made gluten-free or with regular flour depending on your preference. They’re easy to prepare and pair perfectly with fried or air-fried fish.
Do you need an air fryer?
An air fryer makes quick work of these hush puppies and results in a satisfying crunch without deep frying. If you don’t yet own one, many models work well — choose one that fits your family size and cooking habits.
Our family declared this dinner one of the best ever — even on a rainy day when we tested new recipes. The hush puppies and fish quickly became favorites, even with picky eaters.
What do you need to make Air Fryer Hush Puppies?
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion (or onion powder)
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples. You can customize seasoning to suit your taste.
Tips for making perfect Air Fryer Hush Puppies
The batter has a consistency similar to cornbread. Let it rest for 2–5 minutes after mixing to firm up slightly. Start by combining the dry ingredients, then whisk in the egg and milk.
Use dairy milk for best results — non-dairy milks may thin the batter and change the texture. If the batter seems too loose, add another 1/4 cup of flour until it resembles a thick cornbread or pizza-dough consistency.
Air fryers vary in heat output. If you cook multiple batches, remember the second batch may cook faster because the air fryer is already hot. Check for doneness and add a few minutes if needed.
What if I’m out of onion?
Onion powder works well if you don’t have fresh onion. You won’t get chunks of onion, but you’ll retain the onion flavor. This is a traditional hush puppy recipe where onion is the main flavor; you can also add garlic powder or extra seasonings to taste.
More air fryer recipe ideas
If you enjoy air fryer hush puppies, try them alongside air fryer fish sticks or any of your favorite air fryer seafood recipes for a quick, satisfying meal.
Easy Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Easy Air Fryer Hush Puppies
A quick, easy batch of hush puppies made in the air fryer — a great side for air-fried fish.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal
- 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 Cup Milk
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Mix in the chopped onion.
- Whisk in the egg and milk until the batter comes together.
- Let the batter sit about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Form small balls of dough to make the hush puppies.
- Place them in the air fryer basket. If you prefer, spray the basket with non-stick spray or line with foil.
- Spray the hush puppies with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the hush puppies, spray again lightly, and cook an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot. Remember to check doneness since air fryer temperatures vary; cook a few extra minutes if needed.
Notes
This recipe was tested with skim, low-fat, or regular milk. Dairy alternatives may change the consistency. The batter should resemble cornbread or a thick dough. If too thin, add up to 1/4 cup more flour. Adjust onion and garlic powder to taste. Always monitor air fryer cooking times for your specific model.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 120 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 1 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 176 mg | Cholesterol: 17 mg
Video
Enjoy these Air Fryer Hush Puppies with your next seafood dinner — they’re simple, delicious, and loved by the whole family.